Can Defective Windshield Wipers Cause Accidents?

Windshield wipers are very essential part of a vehicle, which allows
the driver to have a clear view of the road in wet climates. At least, this is
what allows them to drive in a safe way, not just for themselves but for others
too. When windshield wipers do not work, they have to be repaired or replaced,
or else it can lead to a road accident due to blurred vision.

Bad Weather and Faulty
Windshield Wipers

Heavy downpour and wind gusts are fairly common in the California
state, at least in some parts of a year. If a driver has lost visibility
because of defective or malfunctioning windshield wipers, then you might just
be caught in a storm or rain that cause you to collide into another vehicle.
Wipers are very much important in order to maintain the safety of all. You have
to take the necessary steps to make sure that your windshield wipers are
working in the proper way, even if that entails replacing the wiper blades and ensuring
proper maintenance.

Windshield Wiper
Recalls

Unfortunately, there are times when a product defect has caused the
road accident. In the aftermath of such an incident in California, these
products have been recalled from the market. The wiper blade’s deterioration or
uneven wiping are two signs that the product is not working the way it should
be. Some wipers might just stop occasionally.

Dangerous Types of Product
Defects

For a product, windshield wipers appear to be simple in terms of
operation, but that is not really the case. The system has some parts like the
wiper arm, which is connected to its base, and a motor which keeps everything
working. If an element is faulty, a driver will likely have less visibility in
poor weather. As per the statistics of FHWA (Federal Highway Administration),
visibility is related to just about 50% of fatal collisions.

Some signs that your wipers need a replacement include the following.

Streaking as well as chattering noises.

The wiper’s rubber deteriorates way too quickly.

Uneven swipes.

Failing wiper motor.

Windshield wipers that stop from time to time.

What Can a Driver
Do?

If windshield wipers are faulty, then it is best to contact the manufacturer
or check to understand whether there has been a product recall. You can ask an
auto mechanic to verify wiper blades, and find out whether they are broken. At
times, manufacturers might just delay a recall as they do not wish to be liable
for the damages. In fact, this is precisely why it is vital that you a hire
legal counsel if you feel a lack of visibility was the underlying cause of your
accident. Your lawyer can determine whether the manufacturer was at fault for
it and is responsible for your injuries.